The 7th annual Battle of the Chefs event by Samantha Starr Events will take place Friday, Oct. 6 at 7 p.m. at Pritzlaff Events, 315 N. Plankinton Ave. The event is held in partnership with Milwaukee Film and presented by The Brewers Community Foundation
This year's event will feature both a general admission and VIP experience along with more food and more fun in support of a great cause.
About the event
The community-centric event combines the elements of a friendly chefs’ competition, a lush tasting event and a silent auction with the mission of acknowledging and elevating the work of local chefs from Milwaukee's evolving culinary scene.
This year 100% of the silent auction proceeds will be donated to HeartLove Place in support of their Teen Culinary Arts & Job Readiness Program.
The evening, which will be emceed by TrueMan McGee of Funky Fresh Spring Rolls, will also feature special guest DJ Lolo.
For the first time, the vegan-friendly event will include food and drinks prepared by not only some of Milwaukee’s finest chefs and pastry chefs but also chocolatiers and mixologists.
A sampling of participants for this year's event includes:
- Savory entrees from Delicious Bites and Mentionable Eats
- Confections from Cocoa Tree Confectionery
- Desserts from My Sweet Thang and Confectionately Yours
- Cocktails from Tropic MKE
The judging panel for the event will include David Caruso of Dynamic Events by David Caruso, Jenny Lee of Kiuda MKE , TrueMan McGee of Funky Fresh Spring Rolls and Kimberly Hall of Signature Sweets.
Additional sponsors for Battle of the Chefs include Athena Communications, Windy City Linen, Dee Kendrix Inc., Skribble Inc., Derute Consulting Cooperative, Mark & Toria Monroe and Sistafriends.
Get your tickets
Tickets for Battle of the Chefs can be purchased online. Cocktail attire is strongly suggested.
General admission tickets are $100 per person and include the tasting event and a complimentary glass of sparkling wine to start the evening.
VIP tickets are $150 per person and include access to a unique VIP experience curated by Canni Hemp Co.; early entry for Chef Meet and Greet at 6 p.m.; a foodie swag bag; the tasting event and a complimentary glass of sparkling wine.
As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.
Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "Milwaukee Food". Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.
